Why no love for the num pad?

[Bladed]

I see all these gaming keyboards and other "high end" keyboards with no number pad? Why is that? Is it an FPS thing or what?

I use the num pad on a regular basis so if I were to ever get one of these fancy boards, I would have to also buy a usb num pad. I can't live without it

 

[Snipeye]

Most gaming keyboards I see have a numpad on them. My guess is that some of the keyboards are aimed at a specific use (gaming) and the additional weight/size of a keyboard with numpad is a turnoff for some. For example, maybe some people feel more comfortable and reactive if the're able to place their mouse next to the keyboard. Removing the numpad can help reduce some of the muscle fatigue if you're arms are more than shoulder width apart to use both the keyboard and mouse.

 

[Cloakedsphere]

Most gaming keyboards I see have a numpad on them. My guess is that some of the keyboards are aimed at a specific use (gaming) and the additional weight/size of a keyboard with numpad is a turnoff for some. For example, maybe some people feel more comfortable and reactive if the're able to place their mouse next to the keyboard. Removing the numpad can help reduce some of the muscle fatigue if you're arms are more than shoulder width apart to use both the keyboard and mouse.

Lots of people get gaming keyboards that are portable. Thats generally why you see gaming keyboards without the number pad. The smaller it is the easier it is to take with you to play on a laptop or a small LAN machine rather than a full size gaming keyboard. Thats what I hear most of more than anything.

 

[Icydud]

Lots of people get gaming keyboards that are portable. Thats generally why you see gaming keyboards without the number pad. The smaller it is the easier it is to take with you to play on a laptop or a small LAN machine rather than a full size gaming keyboard. Thats what I hear most of more than anything.

This and people simply do not use the num pad. A lot of people use the regular numbers instead (mostly for games). Also, a keyboard without a num pad is usually cheaper.

You can buy num pads without the keyboard too, if you decide you want one later on.

 

[Cloakedsphere]

This and people simply do not use the num pad. A lot of people use the regular numbers instead (mostly for games). Also, a keyboard without a num pad is usually cheaper.

You can buy num pads without the keyboard too, if you decide you want one later on.

Eh... I wouldnt say cheaper. Lots of keyboards without the numpads are still super pricey, especially when it comes to mechanical ones. I personally use the numpad all the time. Its quick and easy to use when learning to code and I have a few macro's set up for it since my mouse is right next to the thing. I just slide my thumb over to the numpad and slap a key.

 

[Insomnia Princess]

I see all these gaming keyboards and other "high end" keyboards with no number pad? Why is that? Is it an FPS thing or what?

I use the num pad on a regular basis so if I were to ever get one of these fancy boards, I would have to also buy a usb num pad. I can't live without it

I have 12 programmable number keys on my mouse so I use that. However, my keyboard also has a number pad. I use a Razer Deathstalker.

 

[Bladed]

Most gaming keyboards I see have a numpad on them. My guess is that some of the keyboards are aimed at a specific use (gaming) and the additional weight/size of a keyboard with numpad is a turnoff for some. For example, maybe some people feel more comfortable and reactive if the're able to place their mouse next to the keyboard. Removing the numpad can help reduce some of the muscle fatigue if you're arms are more than shoulder width apart to use both the keyboard and mouse.

This.....this makes perfect sense. I could see wanting a smaller keyboard to take to lan parties.

This and people simply do not use the num pad. A lot of people use the regular numbers instead (mostly for games). Also, a keyboard without a num pad is usually cheaper.

You can buy num pads without the keyboard too, if you decide you want one later on.

I guess some people use their pc for strictly gaming and nothing else? Or maybe it is just the way other people type. When I am gaming. I will use the regular numbers to hit hot keys and what not.....otherwise it is much faster typing for me to use the number pad....


and yeah I actually have a portable usb num pad that I used on my laptop years ago.

 

[Icydud]

Eh... I wouldnt say cheaper. Lots of keyboards without the numpads are still super pricey, especially when it comes to mechanical ones. I personally use the numpad all the time. Its quick and easy to use when learning to code and I have a few macro's set up for it since my mouse is right next to the thing. I just slide my thumb over to the numpad and slap a key.

Take two of the same keyboards, one of them has a num pad, the other one doesn't. Which one costs more?

 

[Insomnia Princess]

I guess some people use their pc for strictly gaming and nothing else?

I use mine all day every day for my job, which is one reason I prefer gaming peripherals. Personally, I think they are built more for comfort and wear and tear than regular or "office" specific products. My colleagues find it amusing I use a gaming headset for Google Hangouts or Skype calls, for example. I'm like, "My whole work setup using gaming gear. It just works better for me."

I used to using the num pad for everything, too, like you. Once I got the mouse with numbers on it, that made it even easier. I can use my thumb to input numbers for work. Previously, I did it your way for years.

 

[Bladed]

I use mine all day every day for my job, which is one reason I prefer gaming peripherals. Personally, I think they are built more for comfort and wear and tear than regular or "office" specific products. My colleagues find it amusing I use a gaming headset for Google Hangouts or Skype calls, for example. I'm like, "My whole work setup using gaming gear. It just works better for me."

I used to using the num pad for everything, too, like you. Once I got the mouse with numbers on it, that made it even easier. I can use my thumb to input numbers for work. Previously, I did it your way for years.

Yeah that's crazy. I have a work from home job, so if I am awake chances are highly likely im at my computer. I use a logitech keyboard I bought at Walmart for 10 bucks. My mouse is the same. I'm all about high quality inside my tower....but my keyboard and mouse don't matter to me at all. Maybe im just weird.

 

[spark]

Take two of the same keyboards, one of them has a num pad, the other one doesn't. Which one costs more?

They cost about the same. Most mechanical keyboard manufacturers offer the keyboard with or without the num pad. They don't normally give the option of choice. Speaking solely on mechanical keyboards, you won't find a decent one that isn't around the $100 range even if it doesn't have a num pad.

I personally find no use for the num pad and wouldn't mind it being gone if I had the choice. Anybody who's been using a computer and keyboard for a reasonable amount of time shouldn't have that much difficulty using the row for any numbers needed.

 

[Snipeye]

I personally find no use for the num pad and wouldn't mind it being gone if I had the choice. Anybody who's been using a computer and keyboard for a reasonable amount of time shouldn't have that much difficulty using the row for any numbers needed.

Actually, there is a difference between using the row of numbers up top versus using a numpad. As an accountant, the speed difference between the two methods are easy to recognize, especially when you're typing numbers quickly for calculation. Gaming-wise, it depends on how the player's behavior is set. But you can't assume and generalize something that may work is true for everyone. Anyone with a job requiring the quick input of numbers in their job will disprove your statement as that is not most of us are trained; look at how calculators and machines are setup. They are in the form of the numpad, not just a flat device reminiscent of a ruler.

 

[Insomnia Princess]

Yeah that's crazy. I have a work from home job, so if I am awake chances are highly likely im at my computer. I use a logitech keyboard I bought at Walmart for 10 bucks. My mouse is the same. I'm all about high quality inside my tower....but my keyboard and mouse don't matter to me at all. Maybe im just weird.

Not weird.

Probably just personal preference. I work from home as well and the first few years of my business, I used Logitech stuff from Walmart, too. But as the years went on and my business was more successful, I invested in higher quality stuff (plus it's a tax write-off, woo woo).